Koda K-10 preamplifier...sweet! Very nice John, congratulations!

Cheers!

unoear July 01, 2013 03:19

John,

Just tried to call you. Did you buy the Robert Koda K10 or trying it out? Sounds like it replaces the Nagra.

How will the K10 work for you with only one XLR in and one XLR out?

albertporter June 30, 2013 23:24

Congrats! Big news! Let us know when they arrive!

lloydelee21 June 30, 2013 14:26

My Robert Koda K10 preamp has shipped. Should be here in a day or two...replacing my Nagra PLL that I've very much enjoyed for 6 years...the Nagra is really special for the money...

jfrech June 30, 2013 13:43

John, Thanks for your visit to Boston to hear the SME 30/12 and V-12 arm. I think the V-12 with your Atlas will sound great in your system and be a good step on your way to considering the big SME table.

Happy listening to your new Rockports.

peterayer June 18, 2013 20:46

I just read the entire straingauge thread. one it was a entertaining read and some definite opinions ;-) however mostly excellent info...thanks for turning me on to that...

I think my next move is a tonearm....going up to Boston next week and listening to a SME 30/12 and SME V-12. This will be the 2nd system that I'll hear with a SME V-12 arm...

The Spiral Groove Centroid is another I am very curious about...and of course the Schroeder LT (I'm on a LONG waiting list however)

jfrech June 14, 2013 13:14

J, in case you're intersted I'm running two analog threads, on this cart, and my Trans Fi Audio Salvation tt. Pretty much at my destination re analog. Check them out if you have the time. The only further step, and it's a biggie, is to consider active isolation: Mike Lavigne is raving about the TableStable Herzan TS-140, I'm thinking about the comparable Accurion i40/Silencer/Micro 40.

spiritofmusic June 14, 2013 11:45

Ha ha, J, no not a dealer. There are many out there to offer us our audio fix!
Totally bowled over by the SG, just as a listener. I've been striving to find a cart that has the tone of the Parnassus, and the neutrality of the Transfiguration Orpheus, and the sheer excitement of the ESCCo modded Zu Denon 103, and I think I've found it.
It has to be said, the $600 stylus replacement costs, and ability to sweeten the financial pill by selling a defunct phono stage, just completes the good feeling.
Really feel this is one all those in the high end cart market should seriously consider.

spiritofmusic June 14, 2013 11:40

Spirit...so a question....are you a dealer or just excited based on your personal experiences? I can't quite tell if you are offering advice or trying to sell me...a sincere question...Thank you

jfrech June 14, 2013 10:54

Sure J. I'm not familiar with the Atlas, but I loved my time with the Parnassus in the mid 00's. I've heard the Titan, but feel the Parnassus had the edge.
Personally, I find the Straingauge is a step beyond the Parnassus, and my previous Transfigurations.
So many ways to Audio Nirvana.

spiritofmusic June 12, 2013 21:36

Hi, sorry I didn't reply. I have 2 great cartridges already, a Lyra Atlas and a Allaerts MC2 Finish. So I guess I really don't understand how this might add value to my system. I do however welcome the input. Thanks

jfrech June 11, 2013 14:28

J, it would be nice to have my comment on the Straingauge at least acknowledged, even if you have no interest in it. I do find many on these boards set on a particular direction, with not much interest in more radical departures. No hard feelings, just thought it might be up your alley. Finding the SG has the perfect combination of detail and natural tone, surpassing anything I've experienced before. And a no brainer re long term stylus replacement costs.
Good luck with your journey, sounds like an interesting one.

spiritofmusic June 11, 2013 13:26

You may also want to try the Vac Statement phono stage.

jwm June 11, 2013 12:39

I've know a few with Aesthetix Io sig and one that had a Io Eclipse. I always loved listening to this phono stage.... years ago I had a Rhea for one night...I had a BAT VKP10SE at the time...The Rhea was quite the deal on detail and resolution...the BAT has more weight in the the mids. I might have to consider this soon...good idea...

jfrech June 11, 2013 02:34

John you need to get the Aesthetix Io Sig. I think this would be the end game for you for phono.

jwm June 10, 2013 12:52

Hi Whart....The Allnic really was awesome in a few areas...makes me wonder if more tweaking or the non v version is the way to go. I did not experiment with a lot under the power supply...but that doesn't surprise me. Another friend mentioned the still points tweak to me...so now 2 recommending that...the variable eq curves are cool...but it does add at least 2 more switches per channel and from the pictures the v transformers look smaller...so hmm

jfrech June 10, 2013 11:11

John: I've been running the Allnic H 3000 (not the 'V') for about a year and for what it's worth, it took well over 100 hours to run in, and continued to improve after that. I found that the fat base first series Mullard, which is a fairly pricey rectifier, worked best among the variety I tried (which included a NOS Tung Sol as well as the RCA, the stock tube and perhaps one other). That isn't to say that in your system, another phono stage might show it up in some respects- it makes magic in mine, largely through the synergies with the rest of my system. I also found that there were significant changes in sound character based on how the power supply was mechanically isolated. I did a fairly extensive comparison of decoupling devices on another forum, and wound up using the Stillpoints SS, which was the best overall compromise. I am running balanced out. And the adjustments to match the relatively low impedance of my Airtight cartridge seemed to bring up the performance level too. I seem to remember some preferring the sound of the 'non-V' version but I can't give you chapter and verse on that- perhaps others could chime in (I only have used the 'standard' version that doesn't have variable equalization curves).

whart June 10, 2013 04:12

Hi, well the Allnic is a fantastic phono stage...seems resolution, wonderful musicality and spatial presentation are it's strengths. along with the great adjustability on gain, loading, RIAA curves, and the rectifier tubes change it's tonal characteristics. I found the Tung Sol the most linear, the RCA very soft, poor dynamics on top, the stock (think it's a russian ??) in the middle of those two.

It's a very interesting phone stage to listen to...it draws you in somewhat.

It's overall character, even with those strengths I value, didn't quite mesh with my system (just a bit warm...and with my Tri Planar might have been to much of a good thing for me). I bet if I still had the Wilson's I would have loved it. Also I ran it single ended...my 2 friends that have it run it balanced on the outputs. My current Nagra PLL is a touch on the warm side to...

Could also have liked different cables to..than my transparent ref xl mm 2...my cables might have again be to much on the t slight side of warm.

I still may come back to it...b/c those strengths are that good. I just feel like I need to try another before I decide. Was thinking about the Doshi next...so as anything system matching is crucial. I'll regret taking it back...I may miss it...

jfrech June 09, 2013 22:46

How did you get on with the allnic John?
I tried it in my system and preferred my ARC ref2. Apparently the Allnic external step up improves the 3000v as it enables you to by-pass the allnic's internal transformers which I found added colour.
If you get a chance check out the Dartzeel 18NS, it's internal phono is excellent.

dctom June 09, 2013 13:13

Rockports are seriously breaking in now...the weight and body is beautiful, the bass deepened...and the resolution/integration is up all over. I do think the speed just fantastic...very happy with my speaker swap !

jfrech June 09, 2013 13:00

Cool, John.

There are some GREAT systems/rooms in TX!
It would be fantastic to hear yours...I'll look you up next time :-)

Vbr,
Sam

c1ferrari May 24, 2013 19:22

J, I've just installed a Soundsmith Straingauge cart in my analog rig. By far the best cart I've had in my system (I've prev run Transfiguration Temper and Orpheus, and Lyra Parnassus).
And with $600 only! replacement stylus costs and no need for outboard phono stage, definitely the best VFM/quality combination in high end carts, IMHO.
Lloydlee, I believe you live in the UK like me. Anywhere near London? Would love to have you as a guest to hear my system, which I'm soon to post on A'gon.
Contact me on: [email protected]

spiritofmusic May 23, 2013 23:43

Sam..thanks so much! What can you add...bring a nice lp by soon ;-)

jfrech May 23, 2013 22:25

Enjoying...loving ;-) My wife is going to start to wonder what's going on upstairs...

The Allnic is certainly a fantastic phono stage. I can't say it's better than our Nagra VPS's just yet. I am trying some new rectifier tubes this week end. I will say the Allnic is clearly one of the best...but it's different than our Nagra's. It does have a much better set of features...the changeable eq curves, the loading via a knob ...and gain via a knob...(and 4 inputs) much nicer creature comfort than the cards Nagra uses for loading. But who knows..maybe that's why the Nagra can hang a bit in a higher weight class. The Allnic is also much higher in gain..so it had a LOT in its favor...plus a reasonable price.

Since you're a Shunyata Triton owner...the Shunyata Typhon a must do next step in my humble opinion...on the $$ per improvement scale...it's a bargain on how much it improved my system recently...

More to come on phono stages...they both sound nice...

jfrech May 23, 2013 22:10

John
I am sure you are enjoying the Rockports. Do post your impressions of the Nagra vs Allnic phono stage comparison . A phono stage upgrade is on the horizon for 2014...-:)
Best
Pradeep

sunnyboy1956 May 23, 2013 14:10